In a time where parents find themselves wearing many hats, it’s easy to reach for a screen. Here are tips from an expert on managing kids & technology. — The Hard Work of Managing Kids’ Devices During a Quarantine (and in General) One afternoon, about a year and a … [Read more...] about Kids, Quarantine & Devices: Managing Screen Time During COVID and Beyond
Youth
Happy Right Now: Empowering Children To Find Happiness Within
A children’s book teaches that the best way to be happy is to embrace the circumstances we find ourselves in each day, rain or shine _______ Wishes can be dreams and goals in embryo. They keep us hopeful, imaginative, energized. However, when our wishes persuade us … [Read more...] about Happy Right Now: Empowering Children To Find Happiness Within
Hello, Sun! Sun Salutations to Help Children Wake Up and Greet The Day (and Life)
A children’s book author and illustrator shares the benefits of morning sun salutation yoga flow to greet the day — and life — a practice for all ages ______ Mornings are such a special time of day. The sun rises. The earth warms. It’s a new day, with new challenges and … [Read more...] about Hello, Sun! Sun Salutations to Help Children Wake Up and Greet The Day (and Life)
Sweet Dreams: Visualizing Your Way To A Better Night’s Sleep
Bedtime doesn’t always bring sweet dreams. When the mind keeps racing, guided visualizations can help us settle in for a good night’s sleep — Bedtime is supposed to be the most relaxing time of day. We want it to be this calm moment where you and your child feel settled … [Read more...] about Sweet Dreams: Visualizing Your Way To A Better Night’s Sleep
The Courageous Art of Supporting Someone in Grief (At Any Age)
A children’s book author shares some practical ways we can show up differently for grief — our own and that of others — As a culture, we’re not great at supporting the grieving, to say the least. We don’t know what to say. We don’t know what to do. We feel helpless, … [Read more...] about The Courageous Art of Supporting Someone in Grief (At Any Age)
Mindfulness in the Classroom: Learning from the Inside Out
Bringing mindfulness into schools transforms learning while empowering children with life skills to break cycles of poverty, violence and despair. — I hear this over and over with greater frequency these days: “What’s happening in our schools?” The unfortunate … [Read more...] about Mindfulness in the Classroom: Learning from the Inside Out
ALPHABREATHS: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing For Kids
By working with children’s imaginations, teaching mindfulness in the classroom can help students navigate their inner feelings and experience ____ Teaching mindfulness to kids, at face value, actually sounds ridiculous. Trust me, I hear it all the time. But while images of … [Read more...] about ALPHABREATHS: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing For Kids
One Breath at a Time: 4 Simple Breathing Exercises for Kids and Adults
Mindful breathing exercises can help children (and adults) develop the tools they need for self-soothing and self-regulating as they navigate life’s stresses — Anyone who spends time with children regularly knows they can go through a wide range of emotions — in a single … [Read more...] about One Breath at a Time: 4 Simple Breathing Exercises for Kids and Adults
Kids For Peace: How a Youth Grassroots Movement Is Shifting Global Consciousness
Through Kids For Peace, youth are driving a global movement of consciousness and kindness, pairing compassion with action — I admit: I am biased. I have been a fan of the organization profiled this month since it was created in 2006 by a high school honors student … [Read more...] about Kids For Peace: How a Youth Grassroots Movement Is Shifting Global Consciousness
A Time For Rain: A Mother Daughter Reclamation of Feelings
In a world that tells us to get over and move through emotions as fast as possible, a breath of fresh air comes from a mother daughter team who craft a tale in honor of feelings — Musings from Sofia Brogan Fink (9 years old): I love writing books, when I was about 7 … [Read more...] about A Time For Rain: A Mother Daughter Reclamation of Feelings
Togetherness Redefined: A Family’s Story of Life on The Road
The real story of fulltime travel, homeschooling and togetherness — debunking myths and doing life differently — Dear Readers: There are many ways to educate and empower young people. Some are more conventional, some are more out-of-the-box. This issue of Best Self Youth … [Read more...] about Togetherness Redefined: A Family’s Story of Life on The Road
2 Poems
Insecurity By Ruby Esposito Bodies are a beautiful natural disaster. A thunderstorm leaving lightning bolt stretch markson the softness of a young girl’s skin. The electricity ran through her veins. And she danced through the storm clouds. Until she was taught … [Read more...] about 2 Poems